Easy drive, took one hour from Winthrop. Last 7 miles are on gravel, but any car could manage. Lovely hike with changing scenery and views that expand as you ascend. The ascent was gradual until the end, and the fall colors -red underbrush with foliage above and of course the magical larches in early stages of light green to vibrant yellow were in full glory. Beware the junction at twisp pass is unmarked- recommend having gps. Turn right before the park boundary sign to head towards the lake. Larches increase in multitude as you near the lake, and the final slog was the most scenic while also arduous.
Many dozens of backpackers headed there- permits required to camp, but we did it as a day hike. We saw a tent right by the lake, which I don't believe is LNT-compliant, but the rest of the campers must have dispersed. We didn't have time to scout the area for camping, but it seems to be popular for how remote it is. A brisk wind was blowing at the lake, and I'm sure it was below freezing at night. A local said they've been camping there for years and it's slowly getting more popular. The RT mileage was around 13 miles. Incredible.
Type of Hike
Day hikeTrail Conditions
Trail in good conditionRoad
Road suitable for all vehiclesBugs
No bugsSnow
Snow free
Comments
jaimeeee on Stiletto Lake
Just a note to add that this lake is within the park boundary and requires a permit for overnight camping. There is a quota system in place to reduce over crowding.
Posted by:
jaimeeee on Oct 04, 2025 11:35 PM
Zank on Stiletto Lake
Yes, permitted and within National Park boundary. And LNT guidance is to camp at least 200 feet away from the water.
Posted by:
Zank on Oct 06, 2025 10:53 AM